Two rescued after small plane crashes

Posted: June 28, 2014 - 9:12pm

Associated Press

NEW CASTLE, Del. — A small plane crashed in a marshy area in New Jersey near the Delaware River shortly after takeoff from an airport in Delaware Saturday, officials said. The pilot and his passenger both survived.

The Federal Aviation Administration was investigating after the Cessna 172 crashed in a marsh about five miles southeast of New Castle Airport at about 10:40 a.m. The pilot had reported engine problems before the crash, the FAA said.

Delaware State Police say two people were rescued from the single-engine plane and didn't appear to have life-threatening injuries.

The plane was located in an area between Fort Delaware State Park and Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey, with the plane's occupants seen near the aircraft. A helicopter was able to get the two occupants from the water.

Pennsville Police Lt. Kirk Cooksey told the South Jersey Times that both men are in their late 70s and are from the West Chester, Pennsylvania, area.

"I consider them very lucky that they walked away from that," he said.

Cooksey said that the plane was mired in deep mud in an area that is difficult to access.